Government Should Be Responsible for Public Playgrounds’ Safety

This segment of The Law and You features personal injury trial lawyer Don Corson explaining that the law needs to change to allow recourse for a person injured on public playgrounds and other public recreational lands.

TRANSCRIPT

JOEL: This is Joel Block for The Law and You with Eugene attorney Don Corson. Don, are public playgrounds and other recreational lands immune from liability?

DON: Joel, that can be the case. The Oregon Legislature passed a law granting immunity to the owners of recreational property including developed facilities like playgrounds, which are of particular concern. If a child is hurt at a public playground due to government negligence, the government is not liable for any personal injury or death. Any property owner, including the Government, should have safe facilities. Several people injured on recreational facilities have come to us not only to get help, but also to make sure others aren’t hurt. Sadly, because of the law, even when the government’s negligence is clear-cut, the injured person has no recourse. This needs to change.

JOEL: Thanks, Don. If you have a legal question or for a copy of How the Law Works, visit CorsonJohnsonLaw.com. The Law and You is a public service and does not replace the advice of an attorney.​

The Corson & Johnson Law Firm, an Oregon personal injury trial law firm, produced and distributed The Law and You as a public service to help families and consumers answer questions about our legal system and how it works for them. The Law and You spots were aired on KKNU, KMGE, KEUG, and KODZ.  Please note that laws may have changed since a public service spot was aired.  If you have suggestions for legal questions or topics you would like addressed, please contact us.